A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Clearwater vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Clearwater or San Juan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and San Juan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or San Juan?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

San Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $343, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or San Juan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in San Juan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Clearwater Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $30
  • San Juan One-way Transfer - Cruise, SJU, Hotels, Airbnb: $30
  • Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, Tesla 3 Luxury Sedan.: $56
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $66
  • Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
  • Roundtrip-Transfer in Puerto Rico: From Airports, Hotels, Cruises: $71
  • Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Clearwater change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Clearwater $79
    San Juan $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Clearwater.

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
  • FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Clearwater Beach Yoga Experience : $35
  • !! Flippers Fun Boat !! Dolphin Adventure Clearwater Beach!: $32
  • 1,5h Tiki Tour with Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks, Clearwater Beach: $50
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour around Clearwater Beach: $79
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hour Tarpon Springs Sunset and Night Guided Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs: $68
  • 2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells: $59
  • 3 hour - Two Island Sandbar Tiki Adventure: $595
  • 4 Hour Egmont Key Island Tour With Dolphins & Snorkeling Included: $79

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.

  • Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
  • San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
  • Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $23
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
  • San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $32
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – VIP SmallGroup Tour: $45
  • Ron del Barrilito Heritage Skip-the-Line Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
  • Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
  • Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and San Juan, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is San Juan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Clearwater is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Juan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in San Juan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Clearwater Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and San Juan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or San Juan?

Clearwater has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or San Juan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as San Juan. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Clearwater is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than San Juan. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or San Juan in the Winter?

Both San Juan and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In January, Clearwater is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Juan. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and San Juan. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Clearwater is cooler than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than San Juan. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Clearwater

Clearwater San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)